Celebration in Pilesgrove Township focuses on horse's rescue

Updated May 20, 2014 at 2:43 PM;Posted May 20, 2014 at 1:05 PM

Rescue Bash Caitline Stewart.JPG

Caitlin Stewart speaking at Rancho Relaxo's Rescue Bash held at her farm in Pilesgrove Township. The event celebrated the one year anniversary of Baia-Roe, a 15-year-old standardbred mare rescued from a truck that was on its way to a slaughterhouse. (Submitted Photo)
(TBA)

Pictured here is Baia-Roe, a 15-year-old standardbred mare, grazing at Caitlin StewartÃ¢ÂÂs farm during the Rancho Relaxo's Rescue Bash, which celebrated the one year anniversary of Baia-Roe, who was rescued from being killed at a slaughterhouse. (Submitted Photo)TBA

PILESGROVE TWP. — At Caitlin Stewart's farm, more than 120 people from all over the state and neighboring states recently gathered for the one year anniversary of Baia-Roe — a 15-year-old standardbred mare rescued from a truck that was on its way to a slaughterhouse.

Stewart, her boyfriend, Stephen Wade, and brother, Gustave Stewart, all initiated the effort to save Baia-Roe last year. In May 2013, people from all over the state came to Caitlin Stewart's farm to welcome the rescued horse to her new home.

Baia-Roe was just hours from being taken over the Canadian border by "kill-buyers," people who purchase horses cheap to then slaughter in order to sell their meat, according to Stewart.

Stewart said since Baia-Roe was pulled from the slaughter pipeline one year ago, the anti-horse slaughter community has celebrated a few wins — the biggest being the federal government removing the funding for horse slaughter plant inspections.

"Our fight is not over though," Stewart said in an email recently. "They cannot open in the United States at the moment, but horses are still being shipped into Canada and Mexico to be slaughtered for their meat. We are still pushing Safe Act as much as possible and bringing awareness to the public about the negative affects if consuming toxic horse meat."

Once Baia-Roe was purchased for $300, she had to be put in quarantine and have a veterinarian examination before being cleared to travel to New Jersey.

In total, it cost about $2,000 to save Baia-Roe. However, Stewart was able to gather about $1,400 in donations from family and friends.

Four bands also donated their time and performed at Stewart‚s farm. Speeches were given by fellow anti-horse slaughter advocates.

Audrey Kitching, a fashion model and jewelry designer, donated a several necklaces to sell to profit the rescue of animals.